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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Caisson \Cais"son\, n. [F., fr. caisse, case, chest. See 1st
{Case}.]
1. (Mil.)
(a) A chest to hold ammunition.
(b) A four-wheeled carriage for conveying ammunition,
consisting of two parts, a body and a limber. In light
field batteries there is one caisson to each piece,
having two ammunition boxes on the body, and one on
the limber. --Farrow.
(c) A chest filled with explosive materials, to be laid in
the way of an enemy and exploded on his approach.
[1913 Webster]

2.
(a) A water-tight box, of timber or iron within which work
is carried on in building foundations or structures
below the water level.
(b) A hollow floating box, usually of iron, which serves
to close the entrances of docks and basins.
(c) A structure, usually with an air chamber, placed
beneath a vessel to lift or float it.
[1913 Webster]

3. (Arch.) A sunk panel of ceilings or soffits.
[1913 Webster]

{Pneumatic caisson} (Engin.), a caisson, closed at the top
but open at the bottom, and resting upon the ground under
water. The pressure of air forced into the caisson keeps
the water out. Men and materials are admitted to the
interior through an air lock. See {Lock}.
[1913 Webster]